Administration means the management and organization of something, whether it's a business, a school, or a government. When teachers talk about going to “the administration” with a problem, they mean the principal and other officials who run the school and make important decisions about schedules, budgets, and policies.

In government, the administration refers to the president and the team of officials working under them. People might say “the Lincoln administration” when talking about President Lincoln and his cabinet, or “the current administration” when discussing today's president and advisors. Each administration brings its own approach to running the country, like a new coach bringing fresh strategies to a team.

The word also describes the everyday work of managing an organization. A hospital's administration handles scheduling, supplies, and staffing so doctors can focus on patients. Someone who works in administration might process paperwork, coordinate meetings, or solve logistical problems. While this work happens behind the scenes, good administration keeps schools, hospitals, businesses, and governments running smoothly. Poor administration creates confusion and waste, like a restaurant where nobody coordinates between the kitchen and the servers.

The related word administrator refers to someone whose job involves managing and organizing. A school administrator helps run the school, while a database administrator manages computer systems.